Hindu Symbols

Hindu Symbols - The Hindu religion has been practiced for 3,500 years and religious followers of Hinduism worship many gods. Apart from worshipping several gods, Hinduism also includes traditions and mythology. Important religious symbols include Ganesha, the Cow as well as several objects of worship known as 'puja' - Hindu Symbols

A comprehensive guide to symbols
of the Hindu faith.

Discover the history and religious beliefs
surrounding a selection of Hindu Symbols. Read about the the meaning
of a wide range of Hindu Symbols including: Ganesha, The Cow and the OM Symbol.

Hinduism is one of the oldest
religious beliefs in the world and the main religion of India. The religion
has been practiced for 3,500 years and religious followers of Hinduism
worship many gods. Apart from worshipping several gods, Hinduism also
includes traditions and mythology. Important religious symbols include Ganesha, the Cow as well as several objects of
worship known as 'puja'.

Hindu Symbols -
MeaningHinduism is just
one of many religions worshipped all over the world, most of its
followers live in India and Nepal. The term Hinduism is used when
describing followers of the Hindu religion however most followers refer
to themselves as 'sanatana dharma' which means external law or religion. Hindu Symbols are a vital part of
Hinduism, they are objects that followers worship and pray to. They are
tools for teaching the religion to others and items are often passed
down from generation to generation. Each individual Hindu religious symbol has its own
deep significance.

Hindu Symbols - Cow

The cow
is sacred to followers of the Hindu religion and is a
symbol of fertility

Slaughter of a cow is banned in the Hindu faith

The cow
is an important animal in India as a food source (milk)

Each of
the cows four legs represents on of the four castes

Hindu Symbols -
Facts

The God of war, Indra is the leader of the Devas and Lord of
Svargaloka in the Hindu religion. His mount is called Airavata,
a mythological white elephant

The Vajra meaning thunderbolt and diamond is a is a Hindu
symbolic ritual object. The Vajra symbolizes the proprieties of
a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible
force)

Brahman is the supreme being in Hinduism and the source of life

The cow is a sacred Hindu symbol and considered a fertility
symbol

The Hindu festival of light is called 'Divwali' and symbolizes
good over evil

The Hindu amulet 'Vishnupada' is the image of Vishnu's footprint

Hindu's use a prayer stand called a mala to pray mantras or
chants

To save humankind from floods, Vishnu appeared as the fish
Matsya to reveal the holy scriptures, the Vedas

The goddess Shakti is known as 'The Great Divine Mother' in
Hinduism

In Hinduism the system of worship is known as Puja

The Hindu god of the sun is known as Surya

The Hindu triad, also known as Great Trinity or Trimurti is a
concept where the three functions of Creation, Maintenance and
destruction are represented by Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the
preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer)

Hindu Symbols -
GoddessesThere are many
important goddess symbols in the Hindu religion, these include:

Parvati - The goddess of nature

Mahadevi - The Hindu mother goddess

Durga - The warrior goddess

Shakti - Also known as Devi, the divine mother goddess

Shiva - The destroyer goddess

Saraswati - The goddess of knowledge, music, arts and science

Hindu Symbols -
GodsThere are many
important gods in the Hindu religion, two of the most important are
Vishu known as the preserver or supreme being and Brahma, the
creator god. Other important gods in the Hindu religion are:
Trimurti, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati, Shakti, Durga, Ayyappa, Rama,
Krishna,Bhumi, Varuna and Vayu

Hindu Symbols
- Sects
There are several sects of Hinduism, the main ones are:

Shaivism. The word translates as "associated with Shiva" and its
followers revere the god Shiva as the Supreme Being. Its
followers are known as "Shaivas" or "Saivas

Vaishnavism. Followers refer the supreme being Vishnu, other
important gods or deities in Vaishnavism are Krishna, Rama,
Kalki and Matsya

Shaktism. Followers of the divine mother goddess, Devi also
known as Shakti.

Hindu Symbols -
Definition of BeliefBeing religious is defined as
the outward act or form by which a person indicates their recognition of
the existence of a god or of gods having power over their destiny, to
whom obedience, service, and honor are due. Having a religious belief or
faith is being in awe of some superhuman and overruling power, whether
by profession of belief, by observance of rites and ceremonies, or by
the conduct of life. Religion is a
framework of beliefs relating to supernatural or superhuman beings or
forces that transcend the everyday material world. Being religious is to
have a strong belief, a faith in a supernatural power or powers that control
human destiny; "he lost his faith but not his morality".

Dream Explanation
- Hindu SymbolsDreaming that
you are deeply religious, foretells of a negative turn to your business
affairs and a disruption to your life. Dreaming that you are over
religious means that your goody goody character will repulsed your lover
or mate.

Hindu Symbols
- SpiritualityDiscover facts and
information about a huge range of spiritual and religious emblems
and signs. Read about each individual emblem and its significance to
the Hindu faith. What is the significance of the OM symbol? Why is
the cow considered sacred? Find out
interesting facts about the Hindu mythology. Discover the answers to these questions and
many more, a useful educational resource for everyone.

Hindu Symbols

Hindu Symbols

Interesting
information about Hindu Symbols

Meaning of
Hindu Symbols

Origin and
History of Hindu Symbols

Facts about
iconic Hindu Symbols

Pictures and
Description of
Hindu Symbols

Pictures and Videos of
Hindu SymbolsDiscover the vast selection of pictures which relate to
Hindu Symbols and illustrate the different Religious emblems,
symbols
and signs that we see in
everyday life. All of the articles and pages can be accessed via the Signology Index - a great educational resource for
everyone! Find out about different religious symbols and
their significance to a variety of religions including Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhist, Taoism, Sikhism and Confucianism.